The Blues

Today at work, we had a talk by our Director on the future plans of NIE. It is such a big thing that a publication on the issue was produced and distributed to all staff. Even though the Director emphasized that to bring NIE's standards to world class and become an Institute of Distinction, ALL employees, including the non-teaching staff needs to work together and make a difference, I honestly felt (and not only me) that his speech does not include us, being the non-teaching staff in the picture. I mean, he rattled on and on about the best teaching practices, research etc etc..but how do we actually contribute if we are not the professors?

Sigh, I have been feeling down lately. Mainly about work. Ever since I heard that I will be placed in the research department, and no longer handling higher degree programme administration, I have felt lost and really sad. Research's not really my area of interest and I am very bad at statistics and data. I am really not motivated to come to work every day. In future, I will not be working with my beloved colleagues such as Maz, Lydia and Hartini anymore. Instead, it will be just me and my boss. And it will take effect from 1st Oct 2007.

I have been applying for other jobs even since I heard of the news, but to no avail. I get so depressed about coming to work. Hubby knows about this but he advised me to find a job first before tendering my resignation. He said that it might even get better so just stick to the job for now. After all, the pay and the benefits are good. Ya Allah, please give me the strength to hold on and be patient.

Yesterday, feeling down with the blues, I took half-day and went to Vivoocity for some retail therapy. Burnt about 200 bucks, but it's worth it. Went home satisfied after letting off some steam at the shops. Oh, and Kin called me, and it made my day! Thanks sweetie, you always know how to cheer me up.

Updates about my kiddos, Kyra's just starting to stand on her own, but she is still very scared to try walking. I was hoping she could beat her brother's record of walking at 11 months and 2 weeks. But it's ok, take your time sweetie, mama will always support you. Kyle is getting noisier and chattier by the day. He loves singing and dancing! Haha, nowadays he is addicted to this Indonesian drama called "Mimpi Manis". It's about the life of an dangdut singer/dancer, and all her songs are damn power! I will upload a video of Kyle dancing to her songs next time. Thank god for my family, they never fail to make me smile after a hard day at work.

It has been 2 weeks of fasting. But I have yet to collect my hari raya clothes, buy clothes for my kids, change collection money for children...arrrhhh! And I still have not started organizing Kyra's birthday party! I had better get cracking. Till next update!

"Excellent" & "Matured"

Yesterday hubby messaged me something quite surprising yet lovely and sweet. I quote:

"I think u r an excellent wife and mother, very matured too"

My first reaction, was like, hmm..did he do something wrong that he feels so guilty about? Or has the fasting finally gotten to his head till he cannot think properly?

Me excellent? Matured? Ha! Honestly, I have never thought of myself as an excellent homemaker. Far from it actually. Firstly, I hardly cook at home, except for that occasional fried egg or maggie noodles. All I know is to eat, heh. Lucky thing my parents are so tolerant of me and loves to cook. Hubby has gotten used to me, and besides, after tasting one of my dishes, I think he is secretly happy that I am not the one cooking for the family. Secondly, housework such as the laundry and cleaning-up is done by my maid. I am actually quite surprised my in-laws still love me even though their daughter-in-law is a lazy bum. I love you too, mak and pak.

Being a working mum also takes away a lot of my time with my kids, and I often wished that we were so rich that I need not go to work and be a tai tai and spend time with my kids. I am also the kind that loves to be pampered and taken care of. Very dependant on hubby and yikes, even on my mummy and daddy. So how to be an 'excellent' mum and wife like dat?

So when hubby fetched me after work, I asked him shyly, WHAT in the world was he thinking to sms me such a message (I so totally don't deserve it)!? He said that over the years, he noticed that I had changed, much for the better. More matured meaning less tantrums (The last time I threw a tantrum was when I was pregnant with Kyra and it had something to do with hubby not calling me. I know, pathetic, right?), more sensible and down-to earth and definitely more responsible. Gee, really?

I used to be demanding and domineering and like things to go my way. Very childish and cried easily just to get attention. Have I really have grown up? Hubby said that instead of going out with my friends and partying, I go home most weekdays nights to take care of my kids and spend my weekends with my family. It's true! I used to party a lot before I got married. Hated to stay in the house because my parents would nag at me constantly.

But now things are different. When it comes to my children, I go all out for them. As soon as I reach home from work, they would pounce on me with their kisses and hugs and I would take over all my motherly duties. Bathe them, feed them, cuddle, comfort and also nag at them when they get out of hand. Partying, you say? Seems like a foreign term to me now.

Also, he said that I am working because of the family. Come on, which 4-member family can survive on just the husband's income? Unless his paycheck has 4 zeros and above of course. I help to pay the bills, the house, maid and also the expenses for the kids, school, parents...you get the picture. There goes my shopping money. And yes, he said I don't do housework or cook, but so what? He did not marry a maid, he married for my personality and he's happy. I am sooo happy too!

I was so enlightened about myself during my chat with hubby. Who would have thought that I am now such an "excellent" and "matured" wife and mother? And I did not say it, my hubby did :)

NATAS Travel Fair Sep 2007

Yesterday me and hubby went to the NATAS travel fair. Initially we went to Suntec Convention Centre, assuming it is held there as in previous years. When we arrive, we were like " how come the carpark still has so many available lots" and "where's the crowd?". We asked the information counter people and found out that it has actually moved to Singapore Expo this year. "Slaps forehead"! So we drove to S'pore Expo. Well, all we say is that the tourism industry is booming and S'poreans are raring to travel. It was so packed with people, the travel agents must be rubbing their hands in glee and getting an orgasm just by looking at the crowd.

Me and hubby already had plans to go to Thailand for our wedding anniversary at the end of the year. We managed to get a good deal for a 5day 4night stay at Bangkok/Pattaya. So it's confirmed, we will be flying to Thailand on 1st Dec - 5th Dec! Woooh, I can't wait! On another note, today is the 4th day of fasting. So far, so good, just a little sore throat, I guess due to lack of water. Last year I could not fast as I was in the final month of my pregnancy with Kyra, and thus being able to fast this year is really welcoming.

Speaking of Kyra, her birthday is coming up next month on 18 Oct, which is about a few days after Hari Raya. I am planning to hold a Open House/Birthday party at my house. The idea of a chalet is definitely out due to the festive season, but it's ok. We can have your 2nd birthday at a chalet, ok princess?











"Whateverlah mama...I dun even know what a birthday is...i just wanna sleep"

My 1st Ramblings on Blogspot

A brief introduction on myself as this is afterall my virgin entry on blogspot: A working mum and a devoted wife in her late twenties. Loves to travel, meet up with new people, shopping (or more likely bargain hunting) and enjoying my time with my family and friends.

My life is revolved mainly around my prince and princess, Kyle Akif and Kyra Amelia. My husband, stands as my pillar of strength and towering shower of love.

I have been using Multiply before this, but decided to open a blogspot account, as it can capture my thoughts and ramblings far more easily. Do drop by and say hello!

Love, Ishma